There is a storm brew ing in the recreational fishing community over a new federal plan for oceans and great lakes that would limit sport fishing in large areas of open waters.

A recent opinion piece concerning the efforts of the Obama Administration’s Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force and its involvement in implementing a policy of “marine spatial planning” that ultimately could affect the management of and public access to the nation’s natural public resources got the storm rolling.

It also has been reported that organizations with a history of being against fishing access played a large role in its formation and that the plan could be finalized by the end of March.

As of today, the plan has not been finalized and, according to a Dept. of Interior fact sheet, the Obama Administration denies any intent to restrict fishing access.

This all comes just weeks after the closing of the public comment period by the presidential task force and on the heels of the historic fishermen’s rally at the Capitol on Feb. 24 coordinated by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and its allied groups.

Recent press releases issued by some sport fishing industry and angling conservation groups have expressed dismay at the unwillingness of administrators to listen to their recommendations.

“The goal of the key players in the process, specifically the Pew Environment Group and its minions, is to attempt to implement through Executive Order what they had failed to accomplish through the legislative process,” said Jim Donofrio, RFA executive director. “We welcome those organizations who feel disenfranchised by the task force to join us in working to prevent what is the usurpation of the management of this nation’s fisheries, oceans, coastal waters and the Great Lakes for ideological reasons.”

Records show that groups such as Pew and the David & Lucille Packard Foundation have used funds to support implementation of marine protected areas, denying public access to large areas of coastal waters.

“Years ago, Pew and Packard had a dream of creating blanket marine reserves across the country through the legislative process, but that quickly fell apart when Congress wouldn’t support it so they moved into the states,” Donofrio said.

In California, they found supported efforts in government to institute blanket closures and there are many who believe their goal is to keep us all off the water.